Small-town rodeo attracts people across the nation

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YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. -- These cowboys put on a show at the 65th Wiley City Rodeo.

Hundreds showed up to see the competitions and events. Becky Hall showed up for her dad.

"My dad told me I had to promise him I'd go back into barrel racing," said Becky.

She didn't ride for three years while she was caring for her ailing dad. He was the one that sparked her passion of horses. Now, for the first time since her dad passed, she is riding in the barrel racing event.

"I know he's with me," Becky said.

She's doing it all for family.

Rodeo president Jason Green says that's really what this rodeo is all about. And, because it's on a local level, he says they can have more events and participants of all ages. He says it's one of the last community-run rodeos in the state - and they plan to keep it that way.

"My family was in it years ago, and we just try to keep it a family tradition," said Green.

It's a tradition for many others as well.

"I've been rodeoing since I was Blake's size, and I went with my family and it's just something Blake does with his family," said Kelsey Endicott.

It's something these cowboys live for, and they're willing to take a risk for the community's entertainment.

While cash and other prizes will be issued to the top competitors, Becky says that's not what's really important.

"I do it for the love," said Becky.

Her love for horses - and her dad.

The rodeo will start its second day Sunday at 8 a.m. with team roping. The rest of the events will take place after 1:30 p.m.